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Pilatus

Steeped in Legend and Lore

Maker of weather, dragon's lair, home to giants and grave of rulers: Lucerne's very own mountain, Pilatus, is one of the most legendary places in Central Switzerland. And one of the most beautiful. On a clear day the mountain offers a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks.

A dragon rock supposedly fell from the sky in the year 1420. The Roman governor Pontius Pilatus might have been buried in Lake Pilatus. Legend has it that a petrified man stands guard in front of a cave. The mountain massif of Pilatus, which towers above the region with its 2,132 meters in height, indubitably captures the imagination. Even today Pilatus is a source of mystical discoveries and is home to places of natural beauty that are steeped in legend and lore.

The mountain can be reached from Lucerne by gondola lift and aerial cable car and from Alpnachstad with the world's steepest rack-railroad. Thus a special roundtrip tour is possible, involving journeys by paddle steamer, rack-railroad, aerial cable car and bus. The trip can be combined with various types of sports, hiking tours, or a visit to the summer toboggan run.

Summer The best way to become acquainted with the dragon mountain is with the steepest railway of the world (ascent 48%), or the spectacular aerial tramway and modern soundless panoramic gondolas. For those people who like boatrides and mountains, the Golden Roundtrip is a wonderful journey. To Alpnachstad by boat or train, then to Pilatus Kulm on the world's steepest railway. Descent by the cable car and gondolas to Kriens, Lucerne or the whole tour vice versa.

In the region of Pilatus, you will find tracks not only for hikers, but for mountaineers and alpinists as well. Another very particular attraction is the longest summer-toboggan run of Switzerland - a funny and sportive experience one should not miss. At Krienseregg you find a large children's playground, a recreation area with waymarked hiking trails and picnic areas with tables and benches and open barbecue.

WinterAt 7000 feet, the summit offers one of the most beautiful panoramic view, spreading from the city of Lucerne to the Lake of Lucerne, from Säntis to Titlis, from the Bernese Alps to Jungfrau, over the Swiss borders from Schwarzwald to the French Alps. This unique panorama can be even experienced when the heavy fog hangs over the lowlands, and as one breaks through the thick layer, one arrives on top to see the sunshine embrace the peak. Cruise downhill through the woods on one of the longest and most thrilling slopes in Central Switzerland that guarantees speed and fun.